UCLA's Joshua Smith, left, could start against Michigan State Thursday in the Bruins' opening game of the NCAA Tournament. AP PHOTO

UCLA coach Ben Howland hinted on Wednesday that freshman center Joshua Smith will start against Michigan State in the 2011 NCAA Tournament South Regional's second round in Tampa Thursday.

Howland has emphasized the need for a quick start against the Spartans and suggested that may mean going with Smith (left in photo) from the opening tip.

Smith started 13 of the Bruins first 15 games but was repeatedly plagued by foul trouble, leading Howland to bring Smith off the bench beginning with a Jan. 13 game at Oregon State. Howland has continued to employ a similar strategy since then.

"We need to get him going right away," Howland said. "I mean Josh is always a key for us and at some point here's he's got to learn how to start the game without getting in foul trouble. And I think he's pretty close to that point.

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